Tourism board launches “Staycation Delight” programme

The programme allows the public to redeem a hotel package discount using $800 receipts from retail and dining outlets.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has kicked off its “Staycation Delight” programme, intended to encourage local consumption amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Individuals who avail the programme will be given a $500 discount on a hotel package in exchange for an original machine-printed receipt worth at least $800 for any physical retail or dining outlet.

“As the pandemic has shown signs of alleviation, the HKTB has rolled out a new round of promotions under the ‘Holiday at Home’ campaign to boost consumption in the city’s retail and food and beverage sectors,” HKTB Executive Director Dane Cheng said.

Cheng said the fourth wave of the pandemic further disrupted retail sales in Hong Kong between December 2020, and January this year.

Total retail sales in the said months each fell by more than 13% year-on-year, according to the Census and Statistics Department, whilst revenue in the food and beverage sector declined 25% in the fourth quarter of 2020.

HKTB has provided funding for 20,000 room bookings on a first-come, first-served basis.

There are around 140 hotels participating in the “Staycation Delights” programme, including the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel and Holiday Inn Express Hong Kong.

“We are grateful for the participation of the hotels in the promotion to boost the local ambience and encourage the public to experience local tourism and enjoy the services and facilities that Hong Kong hotels have to offer,” Cheng said.

The Board said it would launch a second round of the “Free Tour” programme when restrictions on local tours have been lifted.